C919, ARJ21 models displayed at 15th Aviation Expo China

The models of C919 and ARJ21 displayed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd at the 15th Aviation Expo China in Beijing, capital of China. The four-day event kicked off at the China National Convention Center in Beijing on Sept. 25, 2013.

The Comac C919 has entered the new phase featuring parallel design and manufacturing, whole aircraft and system integration, and coordination of development and airworthiness. According to Comac Chairman Jin Zhuanglong, the phase needs the most efforts as it generates the most design changes, the most difficulties and the most unknown risks. Comac is calling on its international partners and suppliers to help smooth the way.

The ARJ21, launched in 2002, is in the final phase of flight test and on track for entry into service in mid 2014. Four prototypes has flown more than 2,000 missions and logged over 4,000 hours; the first two customer aircraft are in final assembly, and the third is under construction.

The ARJ21 has pioneered flight tests for certification that were never carried out before in China, which includes minimum lift-off speed, hot weather fuel system certification, and noise compliance, with representatives present from the CAAC and FAA.

Since the beginning of the year the ARJ21 has cumulatively completed 141 of the 283 applicant flight tests needed for compliance, and 87 of the 241 flight tests for certification.